I'm Just Getting Started - A Little Help Please

Having recently purchased my bass (Schecter C-4) and a practice amp (Acoustic B20) I have been picking up accessories (stand, tuner, etc.) and planning to order instructional materials so that I can really get started with practice and playing. I just have a few more questions that I'd appreciate a little help on.


[1] CABLE When I bought my amp, I mentioned that I would need an instrument cable and the salesperson gave me one. In other words, it was a nice gesture but it is a generic/bulk 18' cable. Should I just use this, barring any problems, or would it be wise to go ahead an invest a bit of money into something better like Mogami or Bayou Audio Cables?


[2] BOOKS I've picked out my basic instruction materials (Hal Leonard Bass Method with Ed Friedland; book with parts 1, 2 and 3, CDs, and a companion DVD.) I'm also planning to pick up the Bass Tab White Pages to have a nice collection of various types of songs to learn to play. Where I'm not so sure is when I think of what else to get. Here are some things I've seen and/or have been suggested for me:

101 Bass Tips by Gary Willis (lots of info, unsure how much is applicable for a beginner)

Bass Fitness by Josquin des Pres (similar issue, lots of exercises, but may be something I should pick up after I start practicing and playing some)

HL Bass Method Music Theory for Bassists by Sean Malone (I'm very interested in this as it offers a lot of fundamental information, however, this too may can wait)

Instruction book(s)/CD(s) by Carol Kaye (a fellow TalkBass member recommended this, and I don't doubt that it is worthwhile, I just wonder if anyone else has any first-hand experience with the material and can let me know more about it; her web site is kind of weak on the details)


[3] STRAP A strap? I don't need no stinkin' strap. Do I? I was planning to skip the purchase of a strap because I'll be playing exclusively in my room, sitting down. Even so, I read where one instructor suggests that even when sitting, you should use a strap. The rationale is that it will help hold the neck/head of the bass up and the position when you are sitting will be similar to when you are standing; something that he suggests is desirable. I question this because when I am sitting the body of the bass is higher than I would care to wear it strapped when standing. I get the idea, but couldn't the same thing be accomplished by simply holding the instrument correctly? Is this a non-issue or should I just buy a strap?


Ok. I know these are kind of weak questions but please understand that I am just getting started (re-started I guess, I 'messed around' with bass when I was younger) and want to get off on the right foot. I appreciate any advice/suggestions that you are willing to share.

TIA

 

Actually, for the most part, I've heard that Monster Cables aren't really high quality. I don't really know, however, your suggestion that you've taken advantage of the warranty ten times in six years would seem to support that.

 

Ok, so a strap it is. I don't think I'll grab a $2/pawn shop one though. I'm not too keen on picking up my bass from the floor where it has fallen.

Thanks for the advice. I'll try to find a decent strap.

 

Thanks. I appreciate that sentiment.

 

Ok. I honestly appreciate the thoughts. (Really.) Yet, whether Monster cables are good or not is not really germane to the purpose of this thread. Its my own fault for bringing it up, I know. I do hope, however, that people will forgo further discussion on the value of Monster brand cables.

That is, I hope that people will continue to read and respond to my three areas of question above.


Restated simply:


1) Should I keep the cheapie cable (as long as it works ok) or should I go ahead and invest something better? (Name brand discussion not necessary.)


2) Which of these materials would you recommend (or not) or do have any other suggestions?

101 Bass Tips by Gary Willis
Bass Fitness by Josquin des Pres
HL Bass Method Music Theory for Bassists by Sean Malone
Instruction book(s)/CD(s) by Carol Kaye


3) Do I need to get a strap if I don't intend to play outside of my bedroom? I think is asked and answered. I'm going to go ahead and get a strap.


TIA

 

Well, I just bought the Korg CA-30 tuner. I guess I could take it back and get the Korg TM-40 tuner/metronome.

I also had considered using Metronome Online.

 

Is the Korg CA-30 not sufficient? "Accuracy: 1 cent" ... "The Calibration function supports a wide range of standard pitches, and can be adjusted in 1 Hz steps for accurate and flexible tuning to any song or key."

Assuming you would still suggest the pedal tuner... do you have any recommendations as to make/model?

Korg's Pitchblack pedal is about $90 as opposed to $20 for the CA-30. Fender and Dean Markley make less expensive models with the same accuracy standard but missing some other features.

If the CA-30 is accurate then, even though I appreciate the suggestion to practice using my ears as well as my fingers, I'll wait on the pedal tuner and get a solid one as warranted in the future.

 

This is what I was thinking as well; just a decent wide strap.

And, since I'm getting a strap, I may as well find a good position for my bass and practice, at least most of the time, while standing.

I'll see how it works out but, in any case, the strap question is settled.